Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to water soluble surfactant complexes used for laundry
pre-spotters and other applications. More particularly it relates to surfactant/associative
polymeric thickener complexes where the surfactant is present in relatively low concentrations.
Background Art
[0002] Laundry detergents are often deficient in handling stains due to grass, blood, oil,
greases, and certain other sources. Consequently, various compositions have been developed
as "pre-spotters" or "pre-washes".
See e.g. U.S. patents 4,438,009; 4,595,527; and 4,749,516. The disclosure of these patents
(and of all other publications described herein) are incorporated by reference as
if fully set forth herein.
[0003] Such compositions are typically applied directly to difficult stains a few minutes
before the normal washing process. However, those pre-spotters which are the most
effective against stains can sometimes also liftthe dye from cloth so as to create
an undesirable faded area.
[0004] More generally, it is desirable to have effective hard surface cleaners that use
relatively low levels of surfactants. Such cleaners are of interest as hand cleaners,
window cleaners, and/or bathroom/kitchen cleaners. Surfactants having unusual characteristics
are also desirable as carriers for insecticides and for various other applications
(e.g. light benders).
[0005] There have been some attempts to combine polymeric thickeners with surfactants to
improve cleaning characteristics.
See e.g. U.S. patents 5,489,397; 5,393,454; and 5,393,453. However, none of these prior compositions
has optimal characteristics, especially for use as a laundry pre-spotter
[0006] In unrelated matters, there has been research regarding the gelation characteristics
of highly diluted (e.g. 0.1% or much less) surfactants when mixed with various hydrophobically
modified polyelectrolytes.
See A. Sarrazin-Cartalas,
et al. 10 Amer. Chem. Soc. 1421-1426(1994).
Disclosure Of Invention
[0007] In one aspect, the invention provides a nonionic surfactant complex having at least
2% to 4% by weight of a surfactant. There is also included from 0.01% to 10% by weight
of an associative polymeric thickener that has more than two alkyl tails that each
have between ten and twenty-four carbons in them, and at least 5% water. Preferably,
there is at least 80% water. The surfactant preferably has an average HLB value of
from 8.5 to 10.7.
[0008] A wide variety of nonionic surfactants are suitable, such as ethoxylated long chain
(e.g. C
6-C
22) alcohols; propoxylated/ethoxylated long chain alcohols such as poly-tergents from
Olin Corp. and Plurafac from BASF Corp.; ethoxylated nonylphenols, such as the Surfonic
N Series available from Huntsman Corp.; ethoxylated octylphenols, including the Triton
X Series available from Rohm & Haas; ethoxylated secondary alcohols, such as the Tergitol
Series available from Union Carbide; and ethylene oxide propylene oxide block copolymers,
such as the Pluronics available from B.A.S.F. Most preferably ethoxylated primary
alcohols known as Neodols (available from Shell Chemical) are used. Best results have
been achieved with C
12/C
13 Neodols, particularly those with 3.5 - 6 moles ethylene oxide (e. g. Neodol 23-4).
[0009] The complex should preferably include from about 3% to 4% nonionic surfactant.
[0010] If desired, anionic, cationic, or amphoteric surfactants can also be added, but this
is usually not preferred.
[0011] Associative thickeners are water-soluble or water swellable polymers that have chemically
attached hydrophobic groups that are capable of nonspecific hydrophobic associations.
They are also known as hydrophobically modified water soluble polymers. Associative
thickeners have traditionally been used in latex paint technology as rheological altering
material. See,
Associative Thickeners, (Handbook Coat. Addition) Schaller and Sperry, Dekker, New York, N.Y., (1992) Vol.
2, pp. 105-63. They have also been used in liquid soap compositions for altering the
rheology of the compositions to alleviate post-use dripping problems of liquid hand
soaps from soap dispensing units. More recently, they have been used with high levels
of surfactants in certain cleaners.
[0012] The preferred associative thickeners utilized in the present invention are water
soluble and impart pseudo plastic characteristics to laundry pre-spotter compositions
after the polymer is neutralized to a pH of 5.5 or more. Such associative thickeners
are generally supplied in the form of an acidic aqueous emulsion or dispersion.
[0013] Some associative thickeners of this type are addition polymers of three components:
(1) an alpha-beta-monoethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid or dicarboxylic
acid of from 3 to 8 carbon atoms such as acrylic acid or methacrylic acid to provide
water solubility, (2) a monoethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable monomer lacking
surfactant capacity such as methyl acrylate or ethyl acrylate to obtain the desired
polymer backbone and body characteristics, and (3) a monomer possessing surfactant
capacity which provides the pseudo plastic properties to the polymer and is the reaction
product of a monoethylenically unsaturated monomer with a nonionic surfactant compound
wherein the monomer is copolymerizable with the foregoing monomers.
[0014] Additional associative polymer thickeners include maleic anhydride copolymers reacted
with nonionic surfactants such as ethoxylated C
12-C
14 primary alcohol available under the trade name Surfonic L Series from Huntsman Corp.
and Gantrez AN-119 from ISP.
[0015] Especially preferred thickeners are alkali-soluble acrylic emulsion polymers available
under the trademark Acusol® from Rohm and Haas Co. Acusol 823 is a 30.0% active emulsion
polymer composed of 44% methacrylic acid, 50% ethyl acrylate and 6% stearyl oxypoly
ethyl methacrylate emulsion polymer having approximately 10 moles of ethylene oxide.
See also the polymers generally described in U.S. Patent 4,351,754. Acusol 820 is also suitable,
as are Rheovis CR and CRX from Allied Colloids and ALCO EXP 2244 and 2245 from ALCO
Chemical.
[0016] The associative thickener is preferably about 1-3% by weight (containing 0.3-0.9%
active polymer solids) when the complex is used as a laundry pre-spotter.
[0017] Various conventional additives can be used with the complexes. Mildly alkaline pH
(e.g. about 7-9 ) can be achieved with NaOH (or KOH) buffered with borax. Citric acid
can be added as a builder (as can-other known builders and chelating agents). Standard
enzymes, stain release agents, dispersing agents, solvents, preservatives, and fragrances
can also be included such as Savinasa 16.0 EX (enzyme; Novo); Sokalan HP22 (an acetated
polyvinyl alcohol stain release agent; BASF); Dowanol DPnB (a glycol ether solvent;
Dow); Acusol 445N (a dispersing agent); and Kathon CG-ICP (a preservative; Rohm &
Haas). Dyes, optical brighteners, corrosion inhibitors, defoamers, bactericides, bacteriostats,
and the like can also be added. Extra additives of this type will normally total less
than 15% by weight of a pre-spotter composition.
[0018] In another form, the associative polymeric thickener and surfactant are present in
amounts such that upon removal of free water from the complex to form a dried film,
less than 20% of the surfactant in the original complex is not bound thereby. This
is when the water is removed by evaporation at ambient (50% relative humidity) conditions
from a thin film. The free surfactant level in a dried film is determined gravimetrically
by blotting the air dried film with #4 Whatman filter paper and determining the %
of the film that is absorbed by the paper.
[0019] In yet another form, the associative polymeric thickener and surfactant are present
in amounts such that upon removal of free water from the complex, greater than 8%
of bound water from the original complex remains in film. This is when the composition
is air dried at 50% relative humidity and ambient temperature from a thin film and
the water content is measured using the Karl Fischer analytical method.
[0020] In another embodiment, the surfactant is of a low solubility type such that it has
a visible dispersed phase if present by itself at greater than 1% in a pure aqueous
solution. Examples of such surfactants are the preferred Neodols.
[0021] In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method of laundering. One applies
the above complexes to a stain on an article to be laundered and then launders the
article after allowing contact for one minute or longer (e.g. over two hours) prior
to laundering.
[0022] The complexes of the present invention can be delivered by pouring, spraying, or
discharge from a squeeze bottle.
[0023] The objects of the present invention therefore include providing surfactant complexes
of the above kind:
(a) which contain relatively small amounts of surfactant, yet are still highly effective;
(b) which can be used as a laundry pre-spotter with little or no effect on the natural
color of most common clothing items;
(c) which use only environmentally acceptable materials; and
[0024] These and still other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent
from the description which follows. The following description is merely of the preferred
embodiments. The claims should therefore be looked to in order to understand the full
scope of the invention.
Best Modes For Carrying Out The Invention
[0025] The compositions of the present invention will now be illustrated by the following
examples, wherein all percentages are by weight. Liquid compositions in the examples
listed below were prepared by cold blending the following ingredients in the order
specified below.
| Formula A |
Formula B |
Formula C |
Material |
| 87.99 |
91.67 |
86.62 |
Water |
| 0.5 |
- |
0.53 |
5M Borax |
| 1.7 |
1.9 |
1.59 |
50% Citric Acid |
| 0.3 |
0.27 |
0.22 |
50% NaOH |
| 0.5 |
- |
0.54 |
Sokalan HP22 |
| 4.0 |
3.33 |
4.0* |
Surfactant-Neodol 23-4 |
| 1.6 |
- |
1.7 |
Acusol-445N |
| 2.1 |
1.67 |
2.62 |
Polymer-Acusol-823 |
| 0.1 |
- |
0.12 |
Fragrance |
| .78 |
1.16 |
0.9 |
50% NaOH |
| .03 |
- |
.04 |
Kathon CG-ICP |
| 0.4 |
- |
0.5 |
Savinasa 16.0 EX 109701 |
| - |
- |
1.07 |
Dowanol DPnB |
| *Mixture of Neodol 23-4 and Neodol 1-5 |
| Alternative polymers were used as follows: |
| Formula D |
Formula E |
Formula F |
Material |
| 87.99 |
87.99 |
87.99 |
Water |
| 0.5 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
5M Borax |
| 1.7 |
1.7 |
1.7 |
50% Citric Acid |
| 0.6 |
0.6 |
0.6 |
50% NaOH |
| 0.5 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
Sokalan HP22 |
| 4.0 |
4.0 |
4.0 |
Surfactant-Neodol 23-4 |
| 1.6 |
1.6 |
1.6 |
Acusol-445N |
| 2.1 |
2.1 |
2.1 |
Polymer |
| 0.1 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
Fragrance |
| .48 |
.48 |
.48 |
50% NaOH |
| .03 |
.03 |
.03 |
Kathon CG-ICP |
| 0.4 |
0.4 |
0.4 |
Savinasa 16.0 EX 109701 |
[0026] For Formula D the polymer was Rheovis CR, for Formula E Alco EXP 2244, and for Formula
F Alco EXP 2245. Other formulas substituted 2.1% Acusol 820 or Rheovis CRX.
[0027] To test the relative cleaning effectiveness of our formulas, we used the following
test procedures.
[0028] The liquid pre-spotting compositions were applied to stains using 2 cc plastic droppers.
The formulations were tested on 10 cm x 10 cm cloth swatches of 65/35 polyester/cotton.
Two drops of used motor oil were applied to each swatch. The oil was allowed to wick
out overnight. The test swatches were washed the next day or placed into a freezer
until needed. The swatches were saturated with 2 cc of the above formulations and
allowed to sit for about five minutes.
[0029] Each stained fabric swatch was then machine washed using a Kitchen Aid Washer model
AW560W. All test swatches were washed in the same machine wash load, using one level
scoop of Ultra Tide Powder (0 phosphorus), at a 37 C or 37.0 C ten minute wash and
21 C or 21.0 C rinse. The water had about 130-150 ppm hardness from the Racine, Wisconsin,
city water supply. The swatches were dried in a standard clothes dryer for ten minutes
on low heat, and were removed before the dryer shut off.
[0030] Reflectance measurements on stained cloth were made with a photoelectric colorimeter,
the Hunter Lab, model #MS 4000L. Readings were made on a clean white Formica® countertop.
All swatches were read in the same position/orientation. The measurements were made
in daylight lighting conditions (no ultraviolet lighting). Three variables were collected
L
x = reflectance, a
x = redness/greenness, and b
x = yellowness /blueness; where x is: c = clean swatch, d = dirty swatch, and w = washed
swatch.
[0031] These three variables were entered in two equations which calculate the percentage
of cleaning from the original stained swatch. The first equation determined the dirty
index of the stained swatch (DI)(non treated), from the clean fabric before washing:

[0032] The second equation calculates the percentage of cleaning of the treated swatch from
the stained swatch (PC or % Clean) after washing.

[0033] Formulas A-C (and other formulations within the claim scope) exhibited superior cleaning
effectiveness. Various of the tested formulations were also evaluated for color extraction.
For example, Formula A showed an 83.82 cleaning effectiveness with no visible color
extraction.
[0034] Table A below depicts the effects of varying surfactant levels in formulas roughly
based on Formula C. The staining material tested here was a mix of grease and particulate
material.
Table A
| Surfactant % |
Cleaning |
| 0 |
62.4 |
| 1 |
70.7 |
| 2 |
72.6 |
| 3 |
73.4 |
| 4 |
74.0 |
| 5 |
73.3 |
| 6 |
72.5 |
Surprisingly, cleaning peaked in the 2-5% range.
[0035] We have a number of possible theories why the prespotters of the present invention
work without adversely affecting color, even when there is a prolonged contact (e.g.
days). In this regard we believe that the polymer binds the surfactant, at least some
of it, with a large amount of bound water. The water is believed to stop the migration
of dye off the fabric, i.e. high water, low dye transfer.
[0036] Also, we use very low surfactant levels. High surfactant levels are known to contribute
to color removal.
[0037] Moreover, we believe that free surfactant that is a liquid in the neat, dry state
is also a solvent. The solvent action of liquid surfactants causes the dye to be extracted
into the surfactant and removed during washing. However, surfactant that is bound
in a polymer matrix is not free to act as a solvent, i.e. the product dries to a solid
or waxy film, stopping the solvent action. In sum, three different effects appear
to be contributing to the attribute of resistance to color removal.
[0038] While a variety of insecticidally active complexes could be created using the present
invention, one example is:
94.22 % by weight water
0.75 % Borax
1.5 % by weight Acusol 823
2 % by weight Neodol 23-4
0.5 % by weight insecticidally active agent.
1 % Acusol 445N
0.03 % Kathon CG-ICP
Examples of insecticidally active agents are pyrethrum, chlorpyriphos, propoxur,
permethrin, resmethrin, bioallethrin, allethrin, other pyrethroids and mixtures thereof.
Other insect control agents are the repellents citronella, lemon grass oil, lavender
oil, cinnamon oil, neem oil, clove oil, sandalwood oil, and geraniol, and the insect
growth regulator hydroprene..
[0039] A sample of the above formula, in which the agent was chlorpyriphos, was an effective
insecticide.
Light Bender
[0040] 1 ml of Formula A was deposited on a glass slide and allowed to dry by evaporation.
When the desired slide was inserted in a crossed polarized light beam tester, distinct
birefringence (light bending) was noted.
[0041] Birefringence is a phenomenon that is evidence of the existence of regions of lamellar
phase within aqueous, liquid formulations including the surfactant complex of the
invention. We believe, as a theory only, that the existence of this structure contributes
to the effective solubilizing of a variety of hydrophobic and hydrophilic staining
substances. Therefore one alternative way of characterizing a prespotter within the
scope of the invention is that (1) it includes a surfactant complex in accordance
with the disclosure, above, including, for example, at least 2% to 4% by weight of
a nonionic surfactant; from 0.01 % to 10% by weight of an associative polymeric thickener
that has more than two alkyl tails that have between ten and twenty-four carbons In
them; and at least 5% by weight water, and that (2) it also exhibit evidence of lamellar
phase structure.
[0042] Various techniques are well established in the art as reliable means to demonstrate
the existence of lamellar phase structure in a liquid. By way of example only, the
optical characteristics of gross samples may be observed together with the time dependent
behavior of the sample, as described by Jonströmer and Strey, R. in
J. Phys.
Chem., 1992 Volume 96, Pages 5993-6000. Samples also may be examined by light microscope,
using Nomarski optics microscopy. Freeze-fracture electron microscopy also may be
used (see van de Pas, et al.
Colloid Surf. A, 1994, 85, 221-236); as may cryo transmission electron microscopy (see Bellare, J. R., et
al.
J. Electron Microsc.
Tech.,
1988, 10, 87-111) or small-angle X-ray or neutron scattering (see
Small Angle X-Ray Scattering; Glatter, O. and Kratky, O. eds.: Academic: New York, 1982.) These techniques have
varying degrees of sensitivity and respond differently to variations in the lamellar
phase structure present, yielding possible false negatives. Therefore detection of
lamellar phase by any one of such means governs, even in the face of a failure of
another detection means.
[0043] While the above surfactants complexes are preferred, a variety of other complexes
are also intended. Thus, the claims below should be looked to in order to understand
the full scope of the present invention.
Industrial Applicability
[0044] This invention provides laundry pre-spotters.
1. A laundry prespotter surfactant complex, comprising:
(a) from 2% to 4% by weight of a nonionic surfactant having an average HLB value of
between 8.5 and 10.7;
(b) from 0.01 % to 10% by weight of an associative polymeric thickener that has more
than two alkyl tails that have between ten and twenty-four carbons in them; and
(c) at least 5% by weight water.
2. The surfactant complex of claim 1, wherein there is at least 50% by weight water.
3. The surfactant complex of claim 1, wherein there is at least 80% by weight water.
4. The surfactant complex of claim 1, wherein the surfactant is of a type that has a
visible dispersed phase if present by itself at greater than 1% in a pure aqueous
solution.
5. The surfactant complex of claim 1, wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from
the group consisting of ethoxylated alcohols.
6. The surfactant complex of claim 1, wherein the associative polymeric thickener an
emulsion polymer of methacrylic acid, ethyl acrylate and stearyl oxypoly ethyl methacrylate
emulsion polymer with ethylene oxide.
7. The surfactant complex of claim 1, further comprising borax, citric acid, and sodium
hydroxide.
8. The surfactant complex of claim 1, wherein the complex is a cleaner.
9. The surfactant complex of claim 1, wherein the complex is of a type that exhibits
birefringence when it is deposited on a glass slide, allowed to dry by evaporation,
and inserted in a crossed polarized light beam.
10. The surfactant complex of claim 1 in liquid form and has a lamellar phase structure.
11. The surfactant complex of claim 1, wherein the associative polymeric thickener and
surfactants are present in amounts such that, upon removal of free water from the
complex to form a dried film, less than 20% of said surfactant in the complex is not
bound thereby.
12. The surfactant complex of claim 1, wherein the associative polymeric thickener and
the surfactant are present in amounts such that, upon removal of free water from the
complex to form a dried film, greater than 8% of the water remains as bound water
in the dried film.
13. A method of laundering, comprising the steps of:
(i) applying an effective amount of the claim 1 complex to a stain on an article to
be laundered; and
(ii) laundering the article.
14. A method of cleaning a stain from the surface of an article, comprising the steps
of;
(i) applying an effective amount of the claim 1 complex to a stain on the article
surface;
(ii) thereafter waiting at least two hours before laundering the article; and
(iii) then laundering the article.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the article is selected from the group consisting
of fabric and carpeting.
1. Wäsche-Vordetachier-Tensid-Komplex, der umfasst:
(a) 2 bis 4 Gew.-% eines nicht-ionischen Tensids mit einem durchschnittlichen HLB-Wert
zwischen 8,5 und 10,7;
(b) 0,01 bis 10 Gew.-% eines assoziativen polymeren Verdickungsmittels, das mehr als
zwei Alkyl-Schwänze aufweist, die jeweils 10 bis 24 Kohlenstoffatome enthalten; und
(c) mindestens 5 Gew.-% Wasser.
2. Tensid-Komplex nach Anspruch 1, der mindestens 50 Gew.-% Wasser enthält.
3. Tensid-Komplex nach Anspruch 1, der mindestens 80 Gew.-% Wasser enthält.
4. Tensid-Komplex nach Anspruch 1, worin das Tensid ein Tensid eines solchen Typs ist,
dass es eine sichtbare dispergierte Phase aufweist, wenn es in einer Konzentration
von mehr als 1 % in einer reinen wässrigen Lösung vorliegt.
5. Tensid-Komplex nach Anspruch 1, worin das nicht-ionische Tensid ausgewählt ist aus
der Gruppe, die besteht aus ethoxylierten Alkoholen.
6. Tensid-Komplex nach Anspruch 1, worin das assoziative polymere Verdickungsmittel ein
Emulsionspolymer von Methacrylsäure, Ethylacrylat und Stearyloxypoly-ethylmethacrylat-Emulsionspolymer
mit Ethylenoxid umfasst.
7. Tensid-Komplex nach Anspruch 1, der außerdem Borax, Citronensäure und Natriumhydroxid
umfasst.
8. Tensid-Komplex nach Anspruch 1, der ein Reinigungsmittel ist.
9. Tensid-Komplex nach Anspruch 1, der ein Komplex eines solchen Typs ist, der eine Doppelbrechung
aufweist, wenn er auf einem Glas-Objektträger abgeschieden, durch Verdampfen trocknen
gelassen und in einen kreuz-polarisierten Lichtstrahl eingeführt wird.
10. Tensid-Komplex nach Anspruch 1, der in flüssiger Form vorliegt und eine lamellare
Phasenstruktur aufweist.
11. Tensid-Komplex nach Anspruch 1, worin das assoziative polymere Verdickungsmittel und
die Tenside in solchen Mengen vorliegen, dass nach der Entfernung des freien Wassers
aus dem Komplex zur Bildung eines getrockneten Films weniger als 20 % des genannten
Tensids in dem Komplex nicht gebunden vorliegen.
12. Tensid-Komplex nach Anspruch 1, worin das assoziative polymere Verdickungsmittel und
das Tensid in solchen Mengen vorliegen, dass nach der Entfernung des freien Wassers
aus dem Komplex zur Bildung eines getrockneten Films mehr als 8 % Wasser als gebundenes
Wasser in dem getrockneten Film verbleiben.
13. Waschverfahren, das die Stufen umfasst:
(i) Aufbringen einer wirksamen Menge des Komplexes nach Anspruch 1 auf einen Fleck
auf einem Gegenstand, der gewaschen werden soll; und
(ii) Waschen des Gegenstandes.
14. Verfahren zur Entfernung eines Flecks von der Oberfläche eines Gegenstandes, das die
Stufen umfasst:
(i) Aufbringen einer wirksamen Menge des Komplexes nach Anspruch 1 auf einen Fleck
auf der Oberfläche des Gegenstandes;
(ii) dann Warten für mindestens 2 Stunden vor dem Waschen des Gegenstandes; und
(iii) nachfolgendes Waschen des Gegenstandes.
15. Verfahren nach Anspruch 14, worin der Gegenstand ausgewählt wird aus der Gruppe, die
besteht aus einem Textilmaterial und einem Teppichmaterial.
1. Complexe tensioactif prédétachant pour la lessive, comprenant :
(a) de 2 % à 4 % en poids d'un tensioactif non ionique ayant une valeur de HLB comprise
entre 8,5 et 10,7 ;
(b) de 0,01 % à 10 % en poids d'un épaississant polymère associatif qui a plus de
deux queues alkyle qui comprennent entre dix et vingt-quatre atomes de carbone ; et
(c) au moins 5 % en poids d'eau.
2. Complexe tensioactif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel se trouve au moins 50 %
en poids d'eau.
3. Complexe tensioactif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel se trouve au moins 80 %
en poids d'eau.
4. Complexe tensioactif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le tensioactif est d'un
type qui a une phase dispersée visible, s'il est présent par lui-même à raison de
plus de 1 % dans une solution aqueuse pure.
5. Complexe tensioactif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le tensioactif non ionique
est choisi dans le groupe constitué par les alcools éthoxylés.
6. Complexe tensioactif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'épaississant polymère
associatif comprend un polymère en émulsion d'acide méthacrylique, d'acrylate d'éthyle
et d'un polymère en émulsion de méthacrylate de stéaryloxypolyéthyle avec de l'oxyde
d'éthylène.
7. Complexe tensioactif selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre du borax, de l'acide
citrique et de l'hydroxyde de sodium.
8. Complexe tensioactif selon la revendication 1 dans lequel le complexe est un produit
de nettoyage.
9. Complexe tensioactif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le complexe est d'un type
qui présente une biréfringence lorsqu'il est déposé sur une plaquette de verre, séché
par évaporation et inséré sous un faisceau croisé de lumière polarisée.
10. Complexe tensioactif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le complexe est sous forme
liquide et a une structure de phase lamellaire.
11. Complexe tensioactif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'épaississant polymère
associatif et les tensioactifs sont présents en des quantités telles que, suite à
une élimination de l'eau libre du complexe pour former un film séché, moins de 20
% dudit tensioactif dans le complexe n'est pas lié de cette manière.
12. Complexe tensioactif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'épaississant polymère
associatif et le tensioactif sont présents en des quantités telles que, suite à une
élimination de l'eau libre du complexe pour former un film séché, plus de 8 % de l'eau
reste sous forme d'eau liée dans le film séché.
13. Procédé de lavage, comprenant les étapes consistant à :
(i) appliquer une quantité efficace du complexe de la revendication 1 à une tache
sur un article à laver; et
(ii) laver l'article.
14. Procédé de lavage d'une tache sur la surface d'un article comprenant les étapes consistant
à :
(i) appliquer une quantité efficace du complexe de la revendication 1 à une tache
sur la surface d'un article ;
(ii) attendre ensuite au moins deux heures avant de laver l'article ; et
(iii) laver ensuite l'article.
15. Procédé selon la revendication 14, dans lequel l'article est choisi dans le groupe
constitué par un tissu et un tapis.